Ride the Rockies - Day 5 to Salida

Back to Day 4 - Alamosa

The ride to Salida was pretty easy.  The first 60 miles had about 400' of climbing, then a 1,000' foot climb up to Poncha Pass before a long descent.  Some people may think the Ride the Rockies event is difficult, but I'm putting my vote towards to Salida Run.

Flat, flat and more flat.

The Salida run is a sprint from the town up a ~1,200 foot hill and then back down again.  The local town participates with at least one Ride the Rockies runner.  Let's just say he didn't finish anywhere near the winner.

The race goes from the starting line up to that small building way up there and then back down.  It looks like it would take one hour to climb that hill.  Turns out the winner did it in under 10 minutes.

Here's the winner!

Here's the winner.

We enjoyed this town immensely.  There was also a professional kayaking competition the same weekend.

Video Time!

Flat ride to start heading to Salida.

Thar's smoke up there!

There's more smoke up thar! 

Getting close to Salida.

Here's the start of the crazies.

A little more of the crazies.

Leader reaches the top.

On the way down.

Continue to Day 6 - Canon City